Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

[Pinkerton Security]

The bigger surprise is our projection for the Buffalo Bills, which we forecast as the most likely surprise playoff contender for 2012. The Bills average 9.7 wins in our simulations and make the playoffs 57 percent of the time, better odds than all but six teams. Our projections really like the Bills defense, because a Pro Bowl-level pass-rusher is probably the best offseason addition you can make other than at quarterback. The defense has a good mix of young and in-prime talent and should be healthier this year. Mario Williams aside, the defense's best player, Kyle Williams, is coming back from missing most of last season with an injury, and the second-best player, Marcell Dareus, should improve like most high draft picks do in their second season. The Bills also had a top-10 offense before a number of injuries in the second half of last season, including to QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8217421/nfl-projecting-every-division-winner-2012-season

[Skooby]

Re: Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

So, take the over is what they're saying.

[jamze132]

Re: Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

This is finally the year we play meaningful games in January!

[ddaryl]

Re: Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

The Bills also had a top-10 offense before a number of injuries in the second half of last season, including to QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

Ok since ESPN insider is using this fact in their hypothesis', is it now legitimately allowed into debates by those who keep claiming it to be an excuse ?

Can we regain the momentum we started with last year and maintain it ? I never really questioned our O after our fast start and always felt the depth / injury problems, coupled with youthful inexperience and lack of an offseason last year had more to do with the wheels coming off and not so much capability. In other words we had some growing pains as young teams would.

[Night Train]

Re: Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

We finally have enough talent on defense to be legit.

[Don't Panic]

Re: Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

They have us 2nd in wins in the AFC and 5th in the league overall. Wow.

[YardRat]

Re: Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

I don't like being a media darling. Rather fly under the radar.

[Extremebillsfan247]

Re: Bills forecast by ESPN Insider

Ok since ESPN insider is using this fact in their hypothesis', is it now legitimately allowed into debates by those who keep claiming it to be an excuse ?

Can we regain the momentum we started with last year and maintain it ? I never really questioned our O after our fast start and always felt the depth / injury problems, coupled with youthful inexperience and lack of an offseason last year had more to do with the wheels coming off and not so much capability. In other words we had some growing pains as young teams would.

We could, and it may even be better than it was in the first half of last year. Last year, we didn't have the benefit of OTA's and mini camps, which will help tremendously. Fitz has spent some very invaluable time with Coach Lee sharpening his mechanics. Fitz also has been running a lot of walkthroughs with the entire receiving core. Last year at this time he primarily just worked with Johnson, Jones, and Nelson. That was clearly evident early last season. In a concept heavy offensive scheme, communication between the QB and his receivers is very important. One play Stevie Johnson could be the 1, but a quick audible could send him into the slot and put a 3rd or 4th WR out at the 1. That's why every receiver must learn all the routes on the tree. It's just how this offense works. Fitz has made communication with his receiving core a strong emphasis this preseason. If all goes well, this offense could be really good. JMO